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| Jeff Kagan will be in Salida at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 20 at Bongo Billy’s Salida Café to perform a free children’s music show. He’s hiking the Colorado Trail and stopping along the way to offer his unique outdoor, educational music.
Courtesy photo
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Children's musician hits the trail
When most musicians hit the concert trail they fuel their tour buses and head for the open highway, but outdoor enthusiast, musician and educator Jeff Kagan headed for the hills for his trail.
"I carry everything from stage props to cooking pans in the pack on my back," Kagan told The Mountain Mail via cell phone as he watched the sunrise over Mount Elbert near Twin Lakes Monday.
Kagan works for Colorado State Parks and for a private nature academy. He took his children's music on tour this summer, but wanted to combine it with hiking.
"I'm doing my two favorite things in life - hiking in the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains and playing children's music for kids all over the state," Kagan said.
Kagan began his nine-show, seven-week hiking and music tour along the 483-mile Colorado Trail earlier this summer and will preform at Buena Vista Public Library at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 15.
He will arrive in Salida for a free concert at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 20 at Bongo Billy's Salida Café.
"The best part of this tour is being able to be alone in complete silence on the trail one day and the next in front of crowds of screaming children and directly in the lime light," Kagan said.
"This is turning out to be the coolest thing I've ever done and I am totally enjoying every minute of this journey."
The 28-year-old Boulder resident moved to Colorado to be closer to what he describes as "one of the most amazing places on earth."
"I love creating music for children that not only entertains them, but gives them a chance to learn something neat about the mountains and the wildlife in their backyard," Kagan said.
He recently released his first CD, "Rocky Mountain Tunes for Rocky Mountain Kids," featuring his eco-friendly songs such as "A Great Story To Tell," about mountain lion and bear safety, and "As Simple as 1, 2, 3," in which he sings about ecological cycles.
So far, Kagan said he has preformed in community centers, libraries, an inn and a church.
"I really like getting a sense of the small town feel they have all had so far," Kagan added.
He performed in Leadville and will end his tour with shows in the southern part of the state including one in Lake City.
Kagan said he likes the honesty children have with music and that's why he feels challenged to perform his songs in a way to engage his young crowds.
"Kids are honest. If they like your stuff they will totally get into it, but if they don't, you're in for a long show," Kagan said with a laugh.
"Music is the sound track to generations of people and if I can make a positive difference on even a handful of children and remind them of the beauty of the wild then I'm happy."
All his shows are free and audiences are encouraged to attend as a family, giving the kids a chance to listen to some fun music and parents a little break. Kagan's music can be previewed at www.rockymountainmusic.info.
It has been described as "a cross between John Denver, Dan Zanes and 'The Wiggles'."
Kagan will continue south toward Salida and plans on arriving Aug 19.
The Salida show will mark the first children's music program showcased at Bongo Billy's Salida Café.
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